Fluid conduit safety system with separable coupling

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to safety mechanisms for high-pressure fluid delivery systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a breakaway device which prevents uncontrolled “whipping” of the conduit ends upon a rupture. A heat dissipating coupling, permitting operation of the conduit system at desired temperatures, is also included, as is a breakaway device provided with such a heat dissipation feature.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/560,758 filed Sep. 16, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,586), which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/361,813 filed Jan. 29, 2009(abandoned).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to safety mechanisms for high-pressurefluid conduit delivery systems. Particularly, the invention relates to abreakaway safety coupling which quickly halts the flow of fluid throughthe conduit. The invention also relates to a leash system which preventsuncontrolled “whipping” of the conduit ends upon a rupture at thebreakaway coupling. The breakaway coupling may also be provided with aheat dissipation feature, permitting operation of the conduit system atdesired temperatures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,357,998, 6,260,569, and 6,546,947,which are incorporated by reference herein, there is a risk of conduitfailure when working with fluids traveling through fluid conduits.Conduit failure can occur in high-pressure and low pressure situations.

When filling containers (which includes, but is not limited to,cylinders, tank trucks, rail cars, and stationary tanks) with compressedor non-compressed gasses or fluids, or operating equipment that relieson pressurized fluid flow or compressed gas, it is necessary for thefluid/gas to be transferred from one container to another. Although thefluid/gas can be transferred from one container to another using solidpiping, it is common in many situations to use a flexible conduit orhose attached between the containers. A flexible hose allows ease ofconnection/disconnection of containers, as well as a limited range ofmotion between source and destination.

For example, compressed or non-compressed fluid/gas, such as oxygen,nitrogen, carbon dioxide and chemicals, such as petroleum and acids aretransported, stored and used in individual containers of varying sizeand capacity. In order to fill these containers with the desiredproduct, it is necessary to connect each container to a fillingconnection (either singly or in groups) at the location of a gasfiller/seller. In order to connect each container to the fillingconnection, a flexible hose is used to allow for quickconnection/disconnection of the containers to the filling connection. Atilting station manifold is one example of a filling connection. Inaddition, operating equipment that runs or uses compressed gas (such asforklifts) or pressurized fluids (such as hydraulic systems) alsobenefit from the ease of use of flexible hose.

Hoses can fail, however, even though they are generally made fromdurable yet flexible materials/constructions, such as treated andreinforced rubber, neoprene, nylon, TEFLON™, stainless steel and others.Hose failures can occur from a number of causes, including ruptures,deteriorations and splits/cuts. When a hose fails, it can causesubstantial damage in a number of ways. First, if a hose is completelysevered or split, both ends of the hose can whip around wildly under theforces of the compressed gas or fluid, now exerted from the delivery endand the receiving end. In addition, if a container is not secured, thepressure of the gas or fluid leaving the container can cause thecontainer to move very rapidly in the opposite direction of thegas/fluid. Both of these situations can result in substantial risk ofpersonal injury, as well as property damage. Still further, a hosefailure will cause a leak from both the delivery and receiving ends,leading to a costly waste of gas or fluid, the discharge of hazardousgas or fluids, as well as the by potential of filling the environmentwith hazardous fumes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,998 discloses a successful fluid conduit safetysystem that uses a flexible, yet relatively stiff cable disposed insideof a hose to maintain single valve bodies at either end of the hose inan open position during normal or open operation. When a failurecondition, such as a rupture, cut, separation or stretch of the hoseoccurs, the valve bodies are able to seat with the valve seats, sealingboth ends of the hose. This prevents fluid/gas leaks from both sources(i.e. container and filling apparatus). When a failure occurs, theflexible, yet relatively stiff cable may be severed, allowing the fluidpressure to force the valve bodies into engagement with the valve seats.If a hose failure does not sever the cable, the valve seats are eitherforced into engagement with the valve bodies or the valve bodies areforced into engagement with the valve seats. In either circumstance, aseal is accomplished by seating the valve bodies with the valve, seats.U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,260,569 and 6,546,947 disclose additional improvementsin such a fluid conduit system.

Thus, when a hose suffers a failure condition, these systems preventexcessive spillage by stopping the flow of fluid via the seating of thevalve bodies with the valve seats. However, particularly under higherpressure applications, a failure condition involving complete severingof the hose may cause the ends thereof to “whip” uncontrollably duringthe brief time between the failure condition and the interruption offlow. The whipping ends of hose present a hazard to anyone present inthe area.

Flow through such conduit systems, particularly higher pressureapplications through smaller gauge hoses (e.g., half inch or threequarter inch) also tends to generate a large amount of heat, whichitself may cause, in part or in whole, a failure condition.

The art is in need of improved safety conduit systems which allow fordissipation of heat, and which prevent uncontrolled whipping of the endsof the conduit upon a failure condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides solutions to several problems found inhigh pressure fluid conduit systems, including a breakaway couplingcapable of halting the flow of fluid upon a rupture at the breakaway, aleash system to prevent uncontrolled whipping upon such a rupture, and aheat dissipation feature, any or all of which provide safer operation offluid conduit systems than available at present. In one aspect, theinvention provides a separable coupling at one or both of the hose ends,as shown in FIG. 21. The breakaway bolts are selected such that theforce required to break the breakaway bolts is less than the forcerequired to sever the hose or cable in a conduit system such as thatdescribed above. A stress upon the hose reaching the predeterminedbreakaway point shears the breakaway bolts, activating the valve closingmechanism which stops the flow and relieves the stress on the hose, andthereby prevents severing of the hose or internal cable. In order toprevent whipping, the two sides of the separable coupling are connectedby a second, extendible, means (i.e., a connection other than thebreakaway bolts) which acts as a leash keeping the two sides in doseproximity to each other. Thus, upon the breaking of the breakaway bolts,the two sides of the separable coupling separate but remain joined viathe extendible leash, thereby preventing the otherwise loose end of thehose from whipping in an uncontrolled and dangerous fashion. While oneend of the second, extendible means is connected to the hose side of thecoupling, the other end may either be connected to the manifold side ofthe coupling, or may be connected directly to the manifold itself.

In one aspect, the present invention includes a safety system for afluid conduit comprising a fluid conduit having first and second ends,first and second housings attached to said fluid conduit at therespective first and second ends, a first valve seat disposed in thefirst housing and a second valve seat disposed in the second housing.The first and second valve seats are positioned a first predetermineddistance from each other. A first valve body is disposed in the firsthousing at the first end of the conduit and a second valve body isdisposed in the second housing at the second end of the conduit. Thefirst and second valve seats are disposed between the first and secondvalve bodies, with the first and second valve bodies positioned a secondpredetermined distance from the first and second valve seats,respectively. A valve control means retains the first and second valvebodies the second predetermined distance from the first and second valveseats, respectively, during an open flow condition, and seats one orboth of the first and second plurality of valve bodies with the firstand second valve seats, respectively, during a conduit failure. In thisaspect, at least one of the first or second housings comprises aseparable coupling, the two sides of which are joined by breakaway boltsand optionally an extensible leash.

In another aspect, one or both of the end housings, whether or notcomprising separable couplings, is provided with a heat dissipationfeature crafted from a suitable material, in the form of a plurality offins as shown in FIG. 22, to dissipate excess heat of compression andmaintain the fluid conduit system within desirable operatingtemperatures.

The invention disclosed herein therefore provides, in one aspect, aseparable coupling for a fluid conduit system, comprising:

a proximal side comprising a first rigid toroidal member having a firstcentral hole, the toroidal member having a plurality of breakaway boltholes, and the first toroidal member further comprising a longitudinalextension concentric therewith capable of attachment to a fluid conduit;

a distal side comprising a second rigid toroidal member having a secondcentral hole, the second toroidal member having a plurality of breakawaybolt holes, and the second toroidal member further comprising alongitudinal manifold extension concentric therewith capable ofattachment to a fluid manifold on a fluid receptacle;

breakaway bolts which pass ugh and secure the proximal and distal sidesto each other;

a leash tethered to the proximal and distal sides; and

a valve safety system positioned within the distal side;

wherein upon breakage of the breakaway bolts, the valve safety systemshuts and ceases the flow of fluid through the coupling.

In another aspect, the invention provides a safety system for a fluidconduit comprising

a fluid conduit having first and second ends;

a first housing connected to said first end of said fluid conduit, saidfirst housing having first and second openings and an internal cavity,therebetween and a first connection point inside said internal cavity,

a second housing connected to said second end of said fluid conduit,said second housing having first and second openings and an internalcavity, therebetween and a second connection point inside said internalcavity;

a first valve seat disposed in said first housing and a second valveseat disposed in said second housing, said first and second valve seatspositioned a fiat predetermined distance from each other;

a first valve body pivotally attached to said first housing at saidfirst connection point and a second valve body pivotally attached tosaid second housing at said second connection point, said first andsecond valve seats disposed between said first and second plurality ofvalve bodies and said internal cavity of said first housing, furthercomprises a first recess for retaining said first valve body during anopen flow condition substantially out of the flow path of said fluid;and

valve control means for retaining said first and second valve bodiesfrom said first and second valve seats, respectively, during an openfluid flow condition, and pivotally seating one or more of said firstand second valve bodies with said first and second valve seats,respectively, during a fluid conduit failure;

wherein said first or second housing is a separable coupling accordingto claim 1.

The valve control means may comprise a pressurized tube which may beattached to first and second valve bodies. The hose and pressurized tubemay each have substantially the same length.

In another aspect, the invention provides a safety system for a fluidconduit comprising:

a fluid conduit having first and second ends;

a first housing connected to said first end of said fluid conduit, saidfirst housing having first and second openings and an internal cavity,therebetween and a first connection point inside said internal cavity;

a second housing connected to said second end of said fluid conduit,said second housing having first and second openings and an internalcavity, therebetween and a second connection point inside said internalcavity;

a first valve seat disposed in said first housing and a second valveseat disposed in said second housing, said first and second valve seatspositioned a first predetermined distance from each other;

a first valve body pivotally attached to said first housing at saidfirst connection point said first valve body comprised of a main bodyhaving first and second extensions therefrom, said first extensionpivotally attached to said connection point and said second extensionattached to said retaining means and a sealable surface for sealablyengaging said first valve seat when said first valve body seats withsaid first valve seat,

a second valve body pivotally attached to said second housing at saidsecond connection point, said first and second valve seats disposedbetween said first and second plurality of valve bodies; and

valve control means for retaining said first and second valve bodiesfrom said first and second valve seats, respectively, during an openfluid flow condition, and pivotally seating one or more of said firstand second valve bodies with said first and second valve seats,respectively, during a fluid conduit failure;

wherein said first or second housing is a separable coupling accordingto claim 1.

7. A safety system for a fluid conduit comprising:

a fluid conduit having first and second ends;

a first housing connected to said first end of said fluid conduit, saidfirst housing having first and second openings and an internal cavity,therebetween and a first connection point inside said internal cavity;

a second housing connected to said second end of said fluid conduit,said second housing having first and second openings and an internalcavity, therebetween and a second connection point inside said internalcavity;

a first valve seat disposed in said first housing and a second valveseat disposed in said second housing, said first and second valve seatspositioned a first predetermined distance from each other;

a first valve body pivotally attached to said first housing at saidfirst connection point and a second valve body pivotally attached tosaid second housing at said second connection point, said first andsecond valve seats disposed between said first and second plurality ofvalve bodies; and

a flexible yet substantially rigid cable for retaining said first andsecond valve bodies from said first and second valve seats,respectively, during an open fluid flow condition, and pivotally seatingone or more of said first and second valve bodies with said first andsecond valve seats, respectively, during a fluid conduit failure;

wherein said first or second housing is a separable coupling accordingto previously described embodiments of the invention.

The flexible yet substantially rigid cable may be attached to the firstand second valve bodies. The substantially rigid cable may be longerthan the flexible fluid conduit. The substantially rigid cable ispositioned within said flexible fluid conduit in a substantiallyserpentine position.

In another aspect, the invention provides a safety system for a fluidconduit comprising:

a hose having first and second ends;

a first housing containing a valve seat disposed at said first end ofsaid hose and a second housing containing a second valve seat disposedat said second end of said hose, said first and second valve seatspositioned a first predetermined distance from each other;

a first valve body disposed within and pivotally attached to said firsthousing, and a second valve body disposed within and pivotally attachedto said second housing, said first and second valve seats disposedbetween said first and second valve bodies, said first and second valvebodies positioned a second predetermined distance from said first andsecond valve seats, respectively;

a flexible yet substantially rigid cable having first and second cableends, positioned within said hose, said first cable end connected tosaid first valve body and said second cable end connected to said secondvalve body, said cable retaining said first and second valve bodies saidsecond predetermined distance from said first and second valve seats,respectively, during an open flow condition, and seating one or both ofsaid first and second valve bodies with said first and second valveseats, respectively, during a hose failure;

wherein said first or second housing is a separable coupling accordingto previously described embodiments. The first housing may be connectedto said first end of said hose, said first housing having first andsecond openings and an internal cavity, therebetween and a firstconnection point inside said internal cavity. The second housing may beconnected to said second end of said hose, said second housing havingfirst and second openings and an internal cavity, therebetween and asecond connection point inside said internal cavity. The internal cavityof said first housing may further comprise a first recess for retainingsaid first valve body during an open flow condition substantially out ofthe flow path of said fluid. The internal cavity of the second housingmay further comprise a second recess for retaining said second valvebody during an open flow condition substantially out of the flow path ofsaid fluid. The first valve body may be comprised of a main body having,first and second extensions therefrom, said first extension pivotallyattached to said second connection point and said second extensionattached to said retaining means and a sealable surface for sealablyengaging said second valve seat when said second valve body seats withsaid second valve seat.

In another aspect, the invention provides a heat dissipation fitting fora fluid conduit, comprising

a first end capable of attaching to a fluid conduit;

a second end capable of attaching to a fluid manifold; and

a plurality of heat dissipation fins.

A fluid conduit system of the invention may employ both a fluid conduitand at least one heat dissipation fitting as previously described, andmay further comprise a separable coupling as previously described.

These and further objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,wherein reference is made to the figures in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cut away view of a fluid/gas conduit safety system allowingfull gas/fluid flow in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cut away view of a single valve of a fluid/gas conduitsafety system with the valve open, allowing full gas/fluid flow;

FIG. 3 is a cut away view of a fluid/gas conduit safety system allowingno gas/fluid flow, because of a break in the conduit in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cut away view of a fluid/gas conduit safety system allowingno gas/fluid flow because of a separation of the hose portion of theconduit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cut away view of a fluid/gas conduit safety system allowingno gas/fluid flow because of a stretching of the hose portion of theconduit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a cylinder filling apparatus using a fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a fluid/gas transport vehicle delivering orreceiving fluid/gas to or from a source/destination through fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cut away view of a single valve of an additional embodimentof a fluid/gas conduit safety system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a cut away view of a single valve of an additional embodimentof a fluid/gas conduit safety system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cut away view of a breakaway connector for use with afluid/gas conduit safety system in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 14 is a cut away view of a breakaway connector for use with afluid/gas conduit safety system in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a cut away view of a breakaway connector and fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a cut away view of a breakaway connector and fluid/gasconduit safety system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a single valveof a fluid/gas conduit safety system with the valve open, allowing fullgas/fluid flow;

FIG. 18 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system with the valve closed, allowing no gas/fluid flow,because of a break in the conduit in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system with the valves open, allowing full gas/fluid flowin accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 20 is a cut away view of an additional embodiment of a fluid/gasconduit safety system with the valves closed, allowing no gas/fluidflow, because of a break in the conduit in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 21A is a cutaway view of a separable coupling of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21B is a cutaway view of a separable coupling of the presentinvention after separation.

FIG. 22A is a cutaway view of a non-separable coupling provided with theheat dissipation system of the present invention.

FIG. 22B is an end view of the FIG. 22A non-separable coupling.

FIG. 22C is a cutaway view of a portion of the FIG. 22A non-separablecoupling taken at a different angle from the angle of FIG. 22A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Separable Coupling

As exemplified in Example 2 below and in FIG. 21, the separable couplingof the invention is provided with two sides: a proximal and a distalside. The proximal side comprises a member formed of a suitablematerial, which may be a metal such as brass or steel, a plastic, aTEFLON™, or a composite material. Other suitable materials may be usedso long as they can withstand the pressure and chemical environment aswill be understood by those skilled in the art. In a preferredembodiment, the proximal side of the coupling, the side to beimmediately adjacent to the hose, is a torus shape with its central holeproviding the path of flow of fluid. Other embodiments may employ othershapes for the proximal and distal sides, so long as the central hole ismaintained and the two sides may be secured to each other. The proximalside also has several breakaway bolt holes positioned around the centralhole through which breakaway bolts may be inserted. Preferably there are3-6 breakaway bolt holes, more preferably 3-4, most preferably 4.Additional holes may be present to reduce the weight of the proximalside without compromising its structural strength or rigidity.

The proximal side is provided with a longitudinally extended meansconcentric with the central hole for attachment of a fluid conduit, suchas a hose. In a preferred embodiment, the means for attachment is aplurality of ridges suitable for clamping, crimping, or otherwiseaffixing a flexible conduit, though those of skill in the art willappreciate a variety of such attachment mechanisms, such as welding,gluing, and the like.

The separable coupling's distal side is designed to mate with theproximal side through a plurality of breakaway bolt holes aligned withthose on the proximal side, such that the breakaway bolts pass throughthe breakaway bolt holes on both the proximal and distal sides andthereby retain the two sides together. Thus, the distal side also has acentral hole for fluid flow, a plurality of holes surrounding thecentral hole for the breakaway bolts, and additional holes for weightreduction as desired. The distal side also is provided with alongitudinal extension concentric with the central hole, for attachmentto the receptacle, or manifold, receiving fluid during operation of thefluid conduit system.

The longitudinal extension of the distal side is also provided with oneend of a fluid conduit valve safety system, such as that described belowin Example 1 below, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,546,947, as well as others knownin the art. In contrast with such existing fluid conduit safety systemshaving a static end housing, the separable coupling of the inventionprovides similar functions to such a static end housing but with theadditional advantage of having a built-in breakaway system designed tobreakaway under conditions that would otherwise threaten imminentrupture or failure of other parts of the fluid conduit system. In apreferred embodiment, the valve system described in detail in Example 1below resides within the distal side of the separable coupling such thatupon the separation of the separable coupling's proximal and distalsides, the valve is actuated to the closed position and fluid flowceases. Accidental spillage of fluid is thereby minimized or eliminated.Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of valve safetysystems may be employed in conjunction with the separable coupling ofthe invention to achieve the benefits of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the proximal and distal toroids are joinedwith breakaway bolts, which are any means known in the art, such ascarriage bolts and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the breakawaybolts are carriage bolts with hexagonal heads and threaded ends forsecuring nuts thereto, such that the proximal and distal sides aresecured by the breakaway bolts whose nuts have been tightened tosufficient torque to retain the two sides together. The breakaway boltsare selected based on their materials and specifications such that theforce required to break the bolts and release the two sides from eachother is less than that amount of force required to rupture the conduititself, and less than that amount of force required to separate theconduit from the proximal side. That is, a stress condition on theconduit during flowing operation which reaches the desired “breakawaypoint” will cause the breakaway bolts to break, thereby separating theproximal and distal sides of the coupling, engaging the valve system soas to halt the flow of fluid through the conduit, and thereby preventingfailure of the conduit itself in response to the stress. Additionally,where both ends of the hose are equipped with a valve system, a failureat the breakaway coupling closes the valves at both ends of the conduit,thereby preventing loss of fluid. Both ends of the hose may also beequipped with breakaway couplings for additional safety, and these twobreakaway couplings may also be designed with different breakaway pointsto provide additional redundancy.

Leash System

The proximal and distal sides of the separable coupling may be joinedtogether by a second means, a flexible leash whose attachment to bothsides is stronger than the plurality of breakaway bolts. Under a stresscondition which breaks the breakaway bolts, thereby separating, theseparable coupling, the two sides of the now-separated coupling arerestrained by the leash. Whipping of the otherwise freed proximal end ofthe coupling is prevented by the leash tethering of the proximal anddistal sides of the coupling. In another embodiment, the leashterminates at the proximal side of the coupling, but the other end ofthe leash terminates at the manifold to which the coupling will becoupled. In this embodiment, if the stress has caused imminent failurein the coupling of the conduit system to the manifold (e.g., within thethreaded joining of the coupling to the manifold), the invention stillprevents the whipping of the otherwise freed conduit.

The leash may be any means of attaching the two sides which keeps themin relative proximity but prevents whipping action. In a preferredembodiment, the leash is a cable affixed to both proximal and distalsides, in which, upon separation, the two sides are retained withinabout 2-12 inches of each other, preferably 2-6 inches, more preferably2-4 inches. The minimum distance of separation provided by the leash isdetermined by the distance required to engage the particular valvesystem being employed within the longitudinal extension of the distalside. For example, in one embodiment employing the fluid conduit safetysystem of Example 1 below, a desired breakaway distance is required tocompletely seat the valve bodies in the valve seats, thus the leash isdesigned to provide more than that distance of separation upon abreakaway occurrence to insure that upon a breakaway occurrence thefluid flow is halted. The leash may alternatively be in the form of ahinge mechanism, such that upon breakage of the breakaway bolts, the twosides of the separable coupling hinge apart.

In one embodiment, the separable coupling of the invention is providedon both ends of a fluid conduit system, each comprising a safety valvesystem. Such a complete conduit system enjoys the advantages ofbreakaway safety at both ends, and safety valves at both ends, providinga conduit system which fails upon a stress condition in a desirablelocation, that is, at the separable coupling. When equipped with theleash system, the invention also prevents uncontrolled whipping ofruptured ends, and still halts the flow of potentially hazardoussubstances before such substances can spill to a substantial degree.

The proximal and distal sides of the separable coupling may be providedwith a variety of optional features, such as alternative release valvesystems, and the like. Additionally, either side may be provided withheat dissipation fins as described in more detail below.

Heat Dissipation Fins

The invention also includes a heat dissipation feature providingadditional safety for the operation of a fluid, particularly gas,conduit system. Ordinary fittings at the ends of fluid conduit, made ofsuch materials as brass or steel, a plastic, a TEFLON™, or a compositematerial, tend to heat to excessive levels during operation at highpressure in smaller gauge conduit. The inventors herein have discoveredthat this heat may be controlled by means of providing fins built in tothe fitting itself. Materials such as brass or steel, a plastic, aTEFLON™, or a composite material, may be provided with such fins, asshown in FIG. 22. Other suitable materials may be used so long as theycan withstand the pressure and chemical environment as will beunderstood by those skilled in the art A plurality of fins provide asubstantial increase in surface area over that of an ordinary fitting,providing a substantial increase in the heat which can be dissipatedfrom the fitting. The overall temperature of the fitting, is therebyreduced, concomitantly reducing, the stress caused by such excessiveheat on the system, and reducing the likelihood of failure in thesystem.

The fins are a plurality of extensions and depressions from a centralcavity in the fitting through which fluid flows. Such fins are known inthe art many applications, but have not heretofore been employed todissipate in a fluid conduit safety system. In a preferred embodiment, aheat dissipating fitting comprises from 3-20 fins, preferably 8-12 fins,more preferably about 10 fins. Additionally, the heat dissipation finsmay be used with any couplings known in the art, or with the separablecoupling previously described above.

The following Examples serve to illustrate the present invention and arenot intended to limit its scope in any way.

EXAMPLES Example 1 A Fluid Conduit System Suitable for Use of theSeparable Coupling of the Invention

There is shown in FIG. 1 a fluid/gas conduit safety system 10. Fluid/gasconduit system 10 is comprised generally of a pair of connector ends 20a and 20 b, fluid/gas conduit or hose 50 disposed between and attachedto the respective connectors and an internal cable 48 within hose 50, sothat compressed gas or fluids can flow through connector ends 20 a and20 b and hose 50 without leakage. Fluids and gasses can generally becollectively referred to as fluids. Connector ends 20 a and 20 b areidentical in design, except that they are positioned at opposite ends ofhose 50. Accordingly, gasses or fluids will flow from one connector endto the other, depending upon whether a container fill or a containerempty procedure is taking place. Connector ends 20 a and 20 b, whenattached to their respective ends of hose 50 are positioned apredetermined distance from each other, determined by the length of hose50. For purposes of illustration, connector ends 20 a and 20 b will bedescribed by reference to connector end 20 a, with the understandingthat connector end 20 b is constructed identically, with like referencenumbers having a “b” designation instead of an “a” designation. In FIGS.2 and 3, only reference numbers are used, without the “a” and “b”designations.

Connector end 20 a includes a body or housing 22 a and means forconnection to a source or destination, such as threads 24 for connectionto a valve, container, manifold or other connection for the fill ordischarge of gas or fluid. Connector end 20 a has two openings. In anexemplary embodiment, housing 20 a is made of a metal such as brass orsteel. Other materials can be used that can withstand the pressure andchemical environment as will be understood by those skilled in the art.A first aperture or opening 52 a allows fluids to enter or leaveconnector end 20 a and the fluid/gas conduit system 10. A secondaperture or opening 56 a allows gas or fluid to enter or leave hose 50via connector end 20 a. Connector end 20 a may also include securingmeans (not shown) for securing hose 50 to connector end 20 a such as aferrule, clamp or adhesive. Connector end 20 a is substantially hollow,containing a center cavity 54 a through which gasses or fluids may passbetween opening 52 a and 56 a.

Two wedge shaped valve bodies 28 a and 26 a are disposed in centercavity 54 a. In an exemplary embodiment, valve bodies 28 a and 26 a aremade of a metal such as brass or steel, a plastic, a TEFLON™, or acomposite material. Other materials can be used that can withstand thepressure and chemical environment as will be understood by those skilledin the art. Each valve body is angled in a generally wedge shape. In anexemplary embodiment, wedge shaped valve bodies 28 a and 26 a aresubstantially the same size, with the most acute end of each wedgeshaped valve body, 29 a and 39 a, pointed in the direction of opening 56a. Also in an exemplary embodiment, each valve body is wedge shaped withthe side closest to its respective sidewall (40 a and 38 a), curved insubstantially the same shape as the respective sidewall. The sideopposite end 29 a is seated against back wall 32 a and between lip 36 aand angled sidewall 40 a when in the open or was/fluid flow position.The side opposite end 39 a is seated against back wall 30 a and betweenlip 34 a and angled sidewall 38 a when in the open or gas/fluid flowposition. The respective sidewalls, backwalls and lips form a recesswithin which, the respective valve body is positioned when the valve isin an open position. Valve bodies 28 a and 26 a are maintained in theopen position by links 44 a and 42 a, respectively. Links 44 a and 42 aare made of a material that allows valve bodies 28 a and 26 a to remainin the open position to allow gas/fluid flow and pull valve bodies 28 aand 26 a into the closed or sealed position (described below) torestrict gas/fluid flow. In an exemplary embodiment, links 42 a and 44 aare rigid metal rods made from stainless steel or monel. Other metalsand materials such as brass, cable, plastic, and composites may be usedas will understood by those skilled in the art. A first end of links 44a and 42 a is connected to valve bodies 28 a and 26 a at valve ends 29 aand 39 a, respectively. Also in an exemplary embodiment, links 44 a and42 a are substantially the same length.

Links 44 a and 42 a are connected to internal cable 48. In an exemplaryembodiment, a multipoint connector 46 a is used to attach links 44 a and42 a to internal cable 48. Multipoint connector 46 a can be made ofmetal such as brass or steel. Other materials can be used that canwithstand the pressure and chemical environment as will be understood bythose skilled in the art.

Internal cable 48 is also made from a flexible yet relatively stiffmaterial capable of retaining valve bodies 28 a and 26 a in therespective recesses in an open position allowing gas/fluid flow duringnormal operation. Exemplary materials for internal cable 48 are steelcable or braided cable. Other suitable materials for internal cable 48will be understood by those skilled in the art. Internal cable 48 can beconsidered a valve control means, particularly in combination withcables 44 a and 42 a.

Hose 50 is shown having a length L. A cut, tear, rupture or stretch ofhose 50 can cause hose 50 to increase in length L, constituting afailure condition. Flow and hack flow directions are also shown. Flow isconsidered the gas/fluid fill or evacuation direction. Back flow isconsidered the resisting pressure. Opening 56 a is generally circularwith sidewalls 40 a and 38 a extending at an angle away from opening 56a towards backwalls 32 a and 30 a, respectively. In an exemplaryembodiment, internal cavity 54 a is generally conical with a truncatedapex at or near opening 56 a and a base defined at or near backwalls 32a and 30 a. Sidewalls 40 a and 38 a extend from the base portion to theapex portion. The upper part of sidewalls 40 a and 38 a at the apexsection of internal cavity 54 a serves as the valve seat in housing 22a. This is identified as valve seats 57 and 59 in the cut away view ofFIG. 2. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical sidewall surfacethat defines opening 56 a can serve as the valve seat of the presentinvention. In an additional embodiment (not shown) an O-ring may serveor be a part of the valve seat. Valve bodies 26 a and 28 a seat in valveseats 57 and 59 when in the closed position. In an exemplary embodiment,wedge shaped valve bodies 28 a and 26 a are angled substantially thesame as the angle of conical sidewalls 40 a and 38 a.

When situated in their respective recesses during open or normaloperation, valve bodies 28 a and 26 a are positioned a predetermineddistance from their respective valve seats. The distance is determined,in part, by the size of the respective housing. The closer the valvebody pairs are to the valve seat, the faster the seating of the valvebodies in the valve seats during conduit failure, because of the shorterdistance that the valve bodies have to travel.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the position of valve bodies 28 and 26 in the open(FIG. 2) and closed (FIG. 3) positions.

In FIG. 4 system 10 is shown with a cut or separation 58 in hose 50.When such a conduit failure occurs and internal cable 48 is severedinternal cable 48 no longer exerts the force necessary to maintain thevalve seats at a predetermined distance from the valve bodies, i.e. inthe open position. Each of the valve body pairs (28 a, 26 a) and (28 b,26 b) then engage their respective valve seats due to the pull ofinternal cable 48 towards the respective valve seats and/or the pressureof the gas or fluid flowing past the respective valve pairs. Each valvebody pair (28 a, 26 a) and (28 b, 26 b) essentially forms asubstantially solid single valve body during conduit failure whenengaging the respective valve seat. When seated, the valve body pairs,acting as a single valve body, are pulled sufficiently tight and closetogether to prevent the flow of gas or fluid (leakage).

In an exemplary embodiment, the valve seat pairs engage the respectivevalve body during certain conduit failures, such as severing of hose 50,substantially simultaneously with said conduit failure. In other conduitfailures, the valve seat pairs engage the respective valve body in threeseconds or less. Because of the damage that can arise from a whippinghose or release of hazardous fluid/gas into the atmosphere/environment,quick seating of a valve body pair with a valve seat is advantageous.

In FIG. 5, system 10 is shown with hose 50 being stretched a distance Xbeyond hose 50's normal length L. This causes a conduit failurecondition causing the respective valve body pairs to seat in therespective valve seats.

In FIG. 6, an alternate embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, anextended internal cable 49 has a greater length than internal cable 48shown in FIG. 1. Extended internal cable 49 is positioned in aserpentine distribution within hose 50. This serpentine positioningprovides additional flexibility and greater bending radius than arelatively straight internal cable as shown in FIG. 1. The serpentinepositioning maintains sufficient force against the valve bodies tomaintain them in the open position, within the respective recessesduring normal, open gas/fluid flow.

In another alternate embodiment (not shown), more than two wedge shapedvalve bodies are used, each valve body positioned in a separate recesswhen in the opened position. In such an embodiment, each wedge shapedvalve body may be separately connected to separate links that are, inturn, connected to internal cable 48. The more than two valve bodies ofthis embodiment would still form a substantially solid valve body duringconduit failure when engaging the valve seat. This alternate embodimentcan be combined with the other embodiments shown in the figures anddescribed herein.

In still another embodiment (not shown) an external cable takes theplace of or operates in conjunction with internal cable 48. In such anembodiment, the external cable would be connected through a sealedlinkage to the valve bodies, the internal cable, the linking cablesand/or the multipoint connector.

In still another embodiment (not shown), internal cable 48 is apressurized tube that retains the valve bodies in an open position whenpressurized. When the pressure in the pressurized tube drops below apredetermined amount, there is insufficient pressure to maintain thevalve bodies in an open position. At that point, the valve bodies seat,closing the valve.

In still another embodiment (not shown), an electronic circuit measuresfluid/gas flow rate and/or pressure within hose 50. When pressure orflow rate reaches a predetermined level, the electronic circuit signalsa valve close condition. This signal would activate a valve closingmeans to release any retaining member that was maintaining the valvebodies in the open position, such as by severing or contracting aninternal cable or linking cable, or depressurizing an internalpressurized tube. The predetermined level in such an embodiment couldalso be set to account for extreme changes in flow rate or pressure, ifit was desired that such a condition should result in a valve closure.Such a system could provide a monitoring or early warning system forhose/system integrity. In another embodiment (not shown), internal valvebodies and valve seats are replaced by an external valve. Such anexternal valve is a valve located outside or beyond connector 20. Insuch an embodiment, the external valve is actuated through a sealedlinkage. Valve closure would result from the same conditions asdescribed above with respect to the internal valve bodies and valveseats.

In another embodiment (not shown), only a single valve (valve body/valveseat) is used at a single end of hose 50.

In FIG. 7, a container filling station is shown with fluid/gas conduitsafety system 10 attached to a valve connected to a container fillmanifold 60 at one end and a container (cylinder) 62 valve at the otherend.

FIG. 8 shows a fluid/gas transport vehicle 64 connected to asource/destination container 66 through fluid/gas conduit safety system10. Transport vehicle 64 can be delivering or receiving fluid/gas,depending upon the particular application.

In operation, a first end of the fluid/gas conduit is connected to afilling container, while the second end of the fluid/gas conduit isconnected to a receiving container. The term filling container is meantto represent a filling source and the term receiving container is meantto represent a receiving destination, regardless of whether either orboth is actually a container. The exact nature of the filling containerand the receiving container depends upon the ultimate application. Forexample, the filling container may be a transport vehicle or connectedthrough a hose or routing system before the connection is made to thefluid/gas conduit of the present invention. A similar situation mayapply to the receiving container. In addition, the receiving containermay be the actual use of the gas or fluid which is thus not actuallycontained.

In an additional embodiment, the flexible fluid conduit, such as hose50, shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with a non-flexible hose or pipe, suchas a steel, plastic or copper pipe.

Still another embodiment is shown in FIG. 9, with an outer, second hose68 surrounding an inner, hose 50 from hose system 10. Each of the innerand outer hoses is connected to a housing, such as connector housing,22. A gap or space (cavity) 70 is defined between inner hose 50 andouter hose 68. Gap 70 is filled with a material 72 which serves toindicate whether a hose fault, such as a tear or puncture in inner hose50 has occurred. Outer hose 68 serves as an indicator of a problem orpotential problem with hose 50. Pressurized gas can be sealed in gap 70at the factory or pressurized by an optional separate fill valve shownas fill valve 74. Fill valve 74 may be disposed on the outer hose or onthe housing, so long as it is in fluid communication with the cavityfarmed between the inner and outer hoses. A separate fill valve 74allows the pressurized gas to be “topped off” to maintain pressure. Aseparate fill valve 74 also allows for the pressurized gas to bereplaced, or if desired, replaced with a different pressurized gas. Suchan indicator system is particularly useful where the hose failure hasnot caused a cut off condition, causing the valve bodies to seat, asdescribed previously. Gap 70 is filled with a pressurized fluid/gas asmaterial 72 that will indicate that a tear, cut, puncture or otherbreach of outer hose 68 has occurred. For example, a pinhole typepuncture may not be sufficient to activate the valve seating. By usingan outer, second hose with a pressurized gap, a leak in the primaryinner hose will cause a pressure increase in the outer hose, causing itto deform. The deformation will be recognizable to the user. In stillanother embodiment, the hose material of the outer, second hose, changescolor when stretched by the increase in pressure from the inner hoseleak. This change in color may be more readily identifiable to the user,indicating the leak or inner hose failure.

In another embodiment, gap 70 is filled with a pressurized fluid/gas asmaterial 72 that will indicate that a tear, cut, puncture or otherbreach of outer hose 68 has occurred. The pressurized gas can indicatethis failure condition of outer hose 68 by being a distinct color thatwill be recognized by a user.

Preferably such a pressurized gas will be a different color than anyfluid being transported through the hose system. A pressurized gas mayalso be used that reacts with the fluid being transported through thehose system so that in the event of a hose failure. In this way, a firstdistinct color would be evident if there was only a failure with outerhose 68. A second distinct color would be evident if the pressurized gaswas contaminated with the fluid being transported through the hosesystem. In this way, the user could tell if there was an outer hose 68failure or a failure of both inner hose 50 and outer hose 68.

In still an additional embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 9, gap 70is filled with a sealing material that can seal a puncture, small tear,small cut or other minor breach of either hose 50 or hose 68. Such asealing material would harden or flexibly harden to match the flexibleproperties of the respective hose when in contact with the either thefluid being transported through the hose system (in the case of a breachof hose 50) or by the outside air (in the case of a breach of outer hose68). A sealing material of this type would preferably appear as adeformation (bump, irregularity, ridge, blob) or distinct color on thesurface of outer hose 68 in the case of a breach of outer hose 68. Asealing material of this type, in conjunction with the material of outerhose 68 would preferably show a deformation in the shape of outer hose68 in the event of a hose breach of inner hose 50 where there is nobreach of outer hose 68. Because a hose system of the present inventionis a safety system, it is desirable that an outer hose with a sealingmaterial in gap 70 be used in conjunction with a cut off system, such asone of those described throughout this specification. In this way, thesealing material would only serve as a temporary fix to a minor hosebreach problem, with the main cut off system still in place in the eventthat the hose breach problem worsened or was not temporarily solved bythe sealing material. A sealing mechanism also controls the amount ofgas that can leak into the atmosphere.

FIG. 10 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. Aspring 76 is positioned behind each wedge shaped valve body 26 and 28.Springs 76 bias the valve bodies against the valve control means, suchas cable 48 and linking cables 42 and 44. Springs 76 insure andaccelerate valve closure by forcing the seating of the wedge shapedvalve bodies upon a hose failure. When a hose failure occurs, counterpressure from cables 44 and 42 is removed, allowing springs 76 toexpand, forcing each wedge shaped valve body to seat. In asub-embodiment, a single spring is used, instead of a separate springfor each wedge shaped body. This single spring would contact back wall30 and the side of the wedge shaped valve body that would otherwise bein contact with back wall 30.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the present invention. A flapor edge 78 is shown on the surface of each wedge shaped valve body 26and 28 in the path of fluid flow. In the event of a hose failure andrelease of the counter pressure holding back each wedge shaped valvebody, flap 78 assists the seating and speed of seating of each wedgeshaped valve body 26 and 28 due to the pressure of the fluid. Flap 78 ispreferably of a size that does not inhibit the satisfactory flow of thefluid. Flap 78 is of a size and orientation that will not interfere withseating of the valve bodies with the valve seats during a hose failure.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein cable48 is replaced with a pressurized tube 80 containing, a gas/fluid 81. Inan exemplary embodiment, pressurized tube 80 is terminated at each endwith a piston 82. Each piston 82 is then connected to a pair of links,such as links 42 a and 44 a. A multipoint connector, such as multipointconnector 46 a. Like in the previous embodiments, metal rods can be usedfor links 42 a and 44 a. Pressurized tube 80 can be made of a materialsuch as a flexible plastic or Teflon®. Pistons 82 can be made of amaterial such as plastic or stainless steel. Pistons 82 are shown withO-rings 84 forming a seal between the piston wall and the inside wall oftube 80. O-rings 84 allow limited movement of pistons within pressurizedtube 80, due to flexing of hose 50. In combination with pressurized tube80 is a spring mechanism 86. Spring mechanism 86 adds a bias against thepressure from pressurized hose 80. Upon failure, one or both pistons 82are released, depressurizing hose 80 and thereby releasing thecounterpressure against spring mechanism 86. The wing force then causesthe valve bodies to move into a sealing arrangement by seating in thevalve seat. The pressurized hose design is particularly useful forlonger distances where there may be so many coils/bends in cable 48 thatit cannot maintain adequate pressure against the valve seats.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a breakaway coupling system 90 is shownfor use with the present invention. Breakaway coupling system 90 is usedas an alternative form of coupling or connection to a pressurized fluidtransfer or delivery system to that of the threaded connector ends 20 aand 20 b shown in the previous embodiments.

Breakaway coupling system 90 is comprised of a barb 92, a fitting 94, arelease collar 96, a snap ring 98 and ball bearings 100. O-rings 102 arealso shown to provide, a seal. Threads 24 are shown for mating with thedelivery source and/or receiving destination of the pressurized fluid,similar to threads 24 shown and described with respect to previousembodiments.

Barb 92 is inserted into a hose, such as hose 50. A plurality of ridges104 may be formed on the surface of barb 92 to assist in securing barb92 to hose 50. A securing means such as a crimped ferrule 106 or screwtightened securing ring (not shown) is used to secure hose 50 to barb92. Barb 92 has grooves for o-rings 102 b, 102 c and 102 d. Fewer orgreater number of o-ring grooves and corresponding O-rings may be used,depending upon the application. O-rings 102 act as seal to preventleakage of pressurized fluid. Barb 92 also has an indentation or groove110, in which a ball bearing 100 can sit. In an exemplary embodiment, 12ball bearings 100 are used with a corresponding groove 110. Fewer orgreater number of ball bearings 100 and corresponding indentations orgroove 110 may, be used, depending upon the application.

Barb 92 is inserted into a fitting 94. Fitting 94 provides thestructural detail to mount breakaway system 90 to thedelivery/destination equipment for the pressurized fluid. In theexemplary embodiment shown, threads 24 are shown. Other connection orcoupling means may be used as understood by those skilled in the art.Fitting 94 has an opening for mating with barb 92. O-rings 102 b and 102c form a seal against the internal walls of the barb receiving openingof fitting 92. Holes 112 extend through fitting 94 and have a diametersufficient to receive ball bearings 100. If not blocked, ball bearings100 can freely pass through holes 112. Holes 112 are designed to alignwith radiused groove 110 when barb 92 is fully inserted into fitting.94. Fitting 94 also has a groove for o-ring 102 a. O-rings 102 a and 102d are used to seal against release collar 96. A ramp sided groove 114 isfor retaining a snap ring 98. Ramp sided groove 114 has inclined walls,wherein the inclination of the walls determines the release forcenecessary to overcome the retaining spring force of snap ring 98. Theforce necessary to allow a release condition can be set or adjusted byvarying the ramp angle of ramp sided groove 114 and/or the spring forceof snap ring 98

Release collar 96 has a recess or clearance groove 116 for snap ring 98and a recess or clearance groove 118 for ball bearing 100. When barb 92is fitted within fitting 94 and the barb fitting combination is fittedwithin release collar 96, snap ring 98 is positioned in both clearancegroove 116 and ramp sided groove 114, aligning and securing thecomponents of breakaway system 90. Release collar 96 can slide laterallyover fitting 94. In the exemplary embodiment, release collar 96 has atapered or stepped internal cavity which allows fitting 94 to beinserted from one side only. Upon release, this prevents fitting 94 frombeing pulled out along with barb 92. Release collar 96 is mounted via amounting means, such as a bracket (not shown) to the delivery and/ordestination equipment.

Operation of breakaway system 90 is shown, first with respect to FIG. 14with release collar 96 in the neutral or engaged position. In theneutral position, release collar 96 is positioned such that the innerwall of the opening in which fitting 94 is positioned presses againstball bearing 100, keeping ball bearing 100 pressed into groove 110 ofbarb 92. This downward force from the internal wall of fitting 94maintains barb 92 locked to fitting 94, which is in turn, locked torelease collar 96 by snap ring 98.

Upon a release condition, a force, such as the pulling of hose 50 awayfrom fitting 94 (in the release direction), pulls on barb 92. Becausebarb 92 is locked to fitting 94 and release collar 96 is fixedly mountedto the delivery and/or destination equipment, the barb 92/fitting 94combination will move laterally with respect to collar 96, from theneutral position shown in FIG. 14 to the release position shown in FIG.13. In order for this movement to occur, the force pulling on barb 92must be sufficient to overcome the snap ring force of snap ring 98. Thisforce causes snap ring 98 to bear against the ramps of ramp sided groove114. This cause the snap ring to expand and be forced out of ramp sidedgroove 114. This then allows fitting 94 to move relative to releasecollar 96. Once moved, ball bearings 100 and holes 112 become alignedwith clearance grooves 118. Clearance grooves 118 allow ball bearings100 to move out of engagement with grooves 110, freeing barb 92 fromengagement with fitting 94.

In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the above describedsafety system is fitted within a breakaway system 90, so that upon abreakaway/release condition, the safety system is activated, shuttingoff fluid flow by seating of the valve bodies in the valve seats. Insuch a breakaway system, one or more connectors, such as multipointconnector 46 may be designed to allow separation from cable 48 or links42/44 after enough force has been exerted to seat valve bodies 26/28 invalve seats 57/59. This would prevent further damage from pulling on thedestination/source equipment, while still cutting off fluid flow. Acondition that can cause such a breakaway condition is a container truckdriving away with a transfer hose still attached to the fill/deliverystation and the truck When safety system 10 and breakaway system 90 areused a hose 50, containment of pressurized fluid is achieved at bothends during a breakaway failure condition. Breakaway system 90 may beused on one or both ends of a hose 50, but will generally be used on oneend.

FIGS. 17-20 show a fluid gas conduit safety system 200 using a pivotallyconnected, single valve body in each of the end fittings assemblies toeffectuate the seal enclosure in the event of hose failure during fluidflaw.

In FIG. 17, a connector end 210 is shown. Connector end 210 is an endfitting assembly for one end of a fluid/gas conduit safety system 200.Connector end 210 is comprised of a body or housing 216. Body 216 servesas the end fitting of the end fitting assembly 210. Body 216 has firstand second openings or apertures with an internal cavity disposedtherebetween.

A valve 218 is shown contained in the internal cavity within body 216.Valve 218 seats with valve seat 232 to form a seal during a failure orclosure condition. Valve 218 includes an O-ring 220 which encircles avalve body 219. The outer edge of O-ring 220 is a valve sealing surface230 which makes a sealable connection with valve seat 232. Valve 218also includes a valve leg 226 which extends from the back or non-sealingside of valve 218. Valve leg 226 is attached to body 216 via hinge pin228 and hinge pin plug 242. Valve leg 226 is attached to body 216 in arecess or cavity 244 to reduce interference with fluid flow by valve218. Attached to the front or sealing side of 218 is valve arm 238.Valve arm 238 is attached to a first end of connector 234 via connectorpin 236. A second end of connector 234 is attached to internal cable214. Valve leg 226 and valve arm 238 are extensions that extend fromvalve body 219.

Valve 218 is shown in the rest position in FIG. 17. In the restposition, valve 218 rests against rest point 224 to minimize impedingfluid flow. Valve 218 is shown in the open or fluid flow condition inFIG. 17.

While threads 240 are shown for body 216, other connection means for thehose will be understood by those skilled in the art. One example ofanother connection means is a bayonet type closure. Also, body 216 isshown contained within hose 212. Means for securing hose 212 and body216 will also be understood by those skilled in the art, or previouslydescribed therein.

In FIG. 18, connector end 210 is shown with valve 218 in a closedposition. The closed position occurs when a hose failure or otherfailure condition, such as those previously described, takes place. Inthe closed position, valve sealing surface 230 of O-ring 220 contactsvalve seat 232, forming a seal. In this state, valve 218 has pivotedabout hinge pin 228, rotating valve 218 into the closed position. Valve218 is maintained in the closed position by the pressure exerted fromthe fluid/gas against the back or non-sealing side of valve 218.Additional sealing force may be provided by cable 214 pulling on valve218 through connector 234 and hinge pin 236. Fluid conduit or hose 212may be flexible, or non-flexible, upon the application.

There is shown in FIG. 19, a complete fluid/gas conduit safety system200 with the valves in an open or fluid flow condition. Fluid/gasconduit safety system 200 includes a hose 212 attached to a pair ofconnector ends 210 a and 210 b with an internal cable 214 attached toconnectors 234 a and 234 b respectively. In FIGS. 19 and 20, the letters“a” and “b” are used to differentiate between the two end fittingassemblies that are located at either end of hose 212. Each of theseconnector ends 210 has identical components.

Fluid/gas conduit safety system 200 is shown with a flexible internalcable 214 in serpentine state. Internal cable 214 has sufficient forceto maintain valve 218 a and 218 b in their opened conditions to allowfluid flow therethrough. Upon a failure condition such a stretching orrupture, internal cable 214 no longer maintains valve 218 a and 218 b inthe open condition. This may arise from pulling, the valves into aclosed position or allowing the valves to close by virtue of thepressure exerted from the respective sides by removing the spring forceof internal cable 214 that is holding valves 218 a and 218 b in place.Removing the spring force can occur through a rupture in hose 212 or asevering of cable 214. In an exemplary embodiment, internal cable 214 isa valve control means for maintaining the valves in the open position.Other embodiments, such as the pressurized tube described above can beused as the valve control means for maintaining the valves in an openposition during normal (non-failure) operation.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a broken hose condition with valves 218 aand 218 b in the seated or seated (sealed) position. In the exampleshown in FIG. 20, cable 214 has become taut because of a severing ofhose 212, pulling valves 218 a and 218 b into the seated position.

Additional embodiments of safety conduit systems may be derived fromcombining the features and embodiments described herein to addressparticular applications and conditions, all of which will benefit fromreplacing of at least one end housing with a separable coupling of theinvention, as described below in Example 2.

Example 2 A Separable Coupling for an End Housing of a Fluid ConduitSystem

With reference to FIG. 21, a separable coupling is provided havingproximal [301] and distal [302] sides made of steel. The proximal sideis a torus shape with its central hole providing the path of flow offluid. The proximal side has four breakaway bolt holes [303] positionedaround the central hole through which breakaway bolts [304] are insertedwhen mating the two sides together. Four additional weight reductionholes [not shown] are present to reduce the weight of the proximal sidewithout compromising its structural strength and rigidity.

The proximal side [301] is provided with a longitudinally extended means[305] concentric with the central hole, and having a plurality of ridgessuitable for clamping, crimping, or otherwise affixing a flexibleconduit.

The separable coupling's distal side [302] mates with the proximal sidethrough four breakaway bolt holes [303] aligned with those on theproximal side, such that the breakaway bolts [304] pass through thebreakaway bolt holes on both the proximal and distal sides and therebyretain the two sides together. The distal side also has a central holefor fluid flow, the four breakaway bolt holes, and four additional holesfor weight reduction. The distal side also is provided with alongitudinal manifold extension [306] concentric with the central hole,for attachment to a receptacle receiving, fluid during operation of thefluid conduit system.

The longitudinal manifold extension of the distal side [306] is alsoprovided internally with one end of the fluid conduit valve safetysystem described below in Example 1.

The proximal and distal toroids are joined with breakaway bolts [304],which are carriage bolts with hexagonal heads threaded on their otherends to receive nuts. The breakaway bolts of this example are made ofstainless steel, though they may alternatively be constructed from anysufficiently sturdy material, including plastic, aluminum, and the like.The nuts have been tightened to retain the two sides together. Thesystem may also be equipped with a leash system of the invention,wherein the proximal and distal sides of the separable coupling, may bejoined together by a flexible six inch cable leash whose attachment toboth sides of the separable coupling is stronger than the plurality ofbreakaway bolts. The distal connection of the leash may alternatively beattached to the manifold itself Under a stress condition which breaksthe breakaway bolts, thereby separating the separable coupling, the twosides of the now-separated coupling are not free to whip around becausethey are tethered together by the leash.

The separable coupling thus described may be used as one or both endhousings of the fluid conduit system of Example 1, or may be employed inother fluid conduit systems as desired. Where employed at both ends,such a complete conduit system enjoys the advantages of breakaway safetyat both ends, and safety valves at both ends, providing a conduit systemwhich fails upon a stress condition in a desirable location, that is, atthe separable coupling, prevents uncontrolled whipping of ruptured ends,and halts the flow of potentially hazardous substances before suchsubstances can spill to a substantial degree.

Example 3 A Heat Dissipation Fitting for an End Housing of a FluidConduit System

As shown in FIG. 22, a heat dissipation fitting [311] was constructedfrom brass and comprises twelve fins [312] (2 shown) spaced 3 mm arounda central cavity [313] in the fitting through which fluid flows. Theheat dissipation fitting has two longitudinal ends, one of which isextended [314] with ten ridges for securing a fluid conduit by crimping,clamping, or the like. The opposite end [315] is suitable for connectionto a manifold to which the fluid flow is directed.

The heat dissipation fitting thus constructed may be used with any gasconduits known in the art, or in conjunction with a separable couplingdescribed above to provide the advantages of both heat dissipation andseparable coupling.

Although illustrated and described herein with reference to certainspecific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless not intendedto be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may bemade in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of theclaims and without departing from the spirit of the invention.

All references cited in this application are hereby incorporated as iffully set forth herein. Those of skill in the art will appreciate thewide variety of applications for the above-described aspects andembodiments of the invention. The foregoing embodiments are therefore tobe considered as illustrative only, the full scope of the inventionbeing defined by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A fluid coupling adapted for connection between a fluidsource and a fluid destination, said fluid coupling comprising: a fluidconduit having a first end and a second end; a first housing adapted forconnection to a fluid source and having: (a) a first fluid openingthrough which fluid from the fluid source enters said first housing, (b)a second fluid opening through which fluid from the fluid source leavessaid first housing and enters said fluid conduit at said first end ofsaid fluid conduit, and (c) a cavity between said first fluid opening insaid first housing and said second fluid opening in said first housing;a second housing adapted for connection to a fluid destination andhaving: (a) a first fluid opening through which: (1) fluid from thefluid source leaves said fluid conduit at said second end of said fluidconduit and enters said second housing, and (2) fluid from the fluiddestination tends to leave said second housing and enter said fluidconduit at said second end of said fluid conduit during a failure ofsaid fluid conduit, (b) a second fluid opening through which: (1) fluidfrom the fluid source leaves said second housing and enters the fluiddestination, and (2) fluid from the fluid destination tends to entersaid fluid conduit during a failure of said fluid conduit, and (c) acavity between said first fluid opening in said second housing and saidsecond fluid opening in said second housing; a coupling: (a) connectingat least one of: (1) said first housing to said first end of said fluidconduit, and (2) said second housing to said second end of said fluidconduit, and (b) breakable when a predetermined force is applied to saidcoupling that causes parts of said coupling to separate; a first valveseat in said second fluid opening in said first housing; a second valveseat in said first fluid opening in said second housing; a first valvebody in said cavity in said first housing and movable between: (a) afirst position spaced from said first valve seat to permit flow of thefluid from the fluid source through said first housing, and (b) a secondposition against said first valve seat to prevent fluid leaving saidfirst housing; a second valve body in said cavity in said second housingand movable between: (a) a first position spaced from said second valveseat to permit flow of the fluid from the fluid source through saidsecond housing, and (b) a second position against said second valve seatto prevent fluid from the fluid destination leaving said second housing;and a valve position controller extending between said first valve bodyand said second valve body: (a) retaining said first valve body in itsfirst position and said second valve body in its first position, and (b)selectively urging said first valve body to its second position and saidsecond valve body to its second position in response to breakage of saidcoupling and separation of said parts of said coupling.
 2. A fluidconducting unit having a safety system, said fluid conducting unitcomprising: a hose having a first end and a second end; a first housinghaving: (a) a first opening through which fluid enters said firsthousing, (b) a second opening through which fluid leaves said firsthousing and enters said hose at said first end of said hose, and (c) aninternal cavity between said first opening in said first housing andsaid second opening in said first housing; a second housing having: (a)a first opening through which fluid enters said second housing from saidsecond end of said hose, (b) a second opening through which fluid leavessaid second housing and enter said hose at said second end of said hoseduring a failure of said fluid conduit, and (c) an internal cavitybetween said first opening in said second housing and said secondopening in said second housing; a coupling: (a) connecting at least oneof: (1) said first housing to said first end of said hose, and (2) saidsecond housing to said second end of said hose, and (b) breakable when apredetermined force is applied to said coupling that causes parts ofsaid coupling to separate; a first valve having: (a) a first valve seatin said second opening in said first housing, and (b) a first valve bodymounted to said first housing and movable between a first positionspaced from said first valve seat and a second position against saidfirst valve seat; a second valve having: (a) a second valve seat in saidfirst opening in said second housing, and (b) a second valve bodymounted to said second housing and movable between a first positionspaced from said second valve seat and a second position against saidsecond valve seat; and a valve controller: (a) retaining said firstvalve body in said first position of said first valve body while saidcoupling is in one piece during an open flow condition of said fluidconducting unit, (b) retaining said second valve body in said firstposition of said second valve body while said coupling is in one pieceduring an open flow condition of said fluid conducting unit, (c) seatingsaid first valve body in said first valve seat in response to breakageof said coupling, and (d) seating said second valve body in said secondvalve seat in response to breakage of said coupling.
 3. The fluidconducting unit having a safety system according to claim 2 wherein saidvalve control means include a pressurized tube.
 4. The fluid conductingunit having a safety system according to claim 3 wherein saidpressurized tube is attached to said first and second valve bodies.